Top 15 Calcium-Rich Foods

Eating calcium-rich foods is one of the best ways to ensure that your body functions normally, particularly when it comes to circulation and bone strength, among others.

Role of Calcium

Calcium is important because its presence or absence in the body can affect the nervous system, the overall metabolism, muscle contraction, and hormone production, as well as nutrient uptake and bone density. Without enough calcium in our bloodstream, the body will begin leeching it from the bones, which speeds up the process of aging and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium also plays a key role in blood clotting and in the transfer of messages throughout the body.

When the body detects a lack of calcium, it can take additional calcium from the bones, while also using vitamin D to stimulate increased uptake of dietary calcium from our meals. We don’t naturally produce calcium, so we need to get it from our diet, or through supplementation. Thus, a deficiency in vitamin D, which our bodies produce when we are exposed to sunlight, can also lead to a deficiency of calcium.

Raw Milk

Known as one of the best and least expensive sources of bioavailable calcium, a single glass of milk can often provide between 25-35% of your daily requirement for this critical nutrient, as well as high levels of protein and vitamin D!

Sardines

Sardines are some of the best seafood sources of calcium, largely because you can eat the bones! A single can of sardines can deliver more than 35% of your daily required intake of this bone-enhancing mineral.

Watercress

Although not the most common leafy green to add to a salad, a single cup of this nutrient-dense plant can deliver 4-5% of your daily needs for calcium.

Cheese

Made from various types of milk, cheese is similarly rich in calcium, although not quite as high as drinking pure, raw milk. Ranging from parmesan cheese down to brie, a single ounce of cheese can possess anywhere from 5-35% of your daily calcium needs, but the average for most cheese is about 20%.

Bok Choy

This popular Asian vegetable is densely packed with many nutrients, including about 7% of your necessary calcium for the day in a single cup. It is also rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which can further strengthen bones and nutrient uptake.

Okra

A single cup of okra delivers about 8% of your daily requirement for calcium, but also offers high levels of fiber, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Seeds

Seeds are perhaps the most overlooked sources of calcium in your diet. Whether you are eatingsesame seeds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, the concentrated amounts of calcium can range from 3-15% of your daily calcium requirements in a single tablespoon!

Almonds

Nuts are also great sources of minerals and beneficial fatty acids; almonds offer a staggering 25% of your daily requirement of this mineral in a single cup. However, excessive consumption of nuts can lead to high cholesterol levels and weight gain, so use this calcium-booster in moderation.

Whey Protein

Whey is a type of protein that can be found in milk – and separated out into a dietary supplement. A single scoop of whey protein powder isolate contains about 20% of your calcium needs per day, so add a scoop to your next morning smoothie to keep your calcium levels high!

Kale

Leafy green vegetables are legendary for their mineral content, and kale’s level of calcium is no exception. One cup of kale, which is far less than what you would include in a typical salad, delivers 10% of your calcium for the day.

Kefir

Milk kefir is milk treated with certain bacteria cultures to change the taste and nutrient profile; a 6-ounce serving of this potent beverage delivers 20% of your calcium needs.

Yogurt

One cup of yogurt, which you might start your morning with, can contain up to 30% of all the calcium you will need for the day.

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, and publisher who earned his English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana (USA). He is the co-founder of a literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and calls the most beautiful places in the world his office. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

Rate this article

Average rating 4.5 out of 5.0 based on 4 user(s).

Sign-up for our wellness newsletter

Do you want the best of science-backed health & nutrition information in your inbox? If yes, please share your email to subscribe.